Best Changing Mats in the UK for 2024

Baby changing mats are an essential item in every parent's toolkit.

Whether you’re at home or on the go, a good-quality changing mat makes nappy changes quick, comfortable, and mess-free.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this blog, we’ll explore the top changing mats available in the UK for 2024

What is a Changing Mat?

A changing mat is a portable, padded surface where parents can comfortably change their baby’s nappy.

These mats typically come with water-resistant or wipe-clean surfaces to handle any messes that come with diaper changes.

A good changing mat protects surfaces from spills but also provides a hygienic and soft space for your baby during changes. Many changing mats include anti-roll features and soft cushioning. Some can be used as play mats or even bath towels.

A lightweight and foldable mat is useful for changing out and about. If you want a mat that stays put at home, one with an anti-roll design can be safer or opt for a nest that can be used as a safe place to put baby and can be carried between rooms. The right changing mat can help reduce the stress and mess of baby changing.

Changing mats come in various types, each suited for different purposes and lifestyles:

• Standard Padded Changing Mats – Ideal for home use, these wipe clean baby changing mats are cushioned but can be chilly for baby.
• Anti-Roll Changing Mats – Designed with raised sides to prevent babies from rolling off - nests are relatively new and very popular with parents.
• Travel Changing Mats – Compact and foldable, these mats are easy to carry in your bag when you’re out and about - normally wipe clean or washable.
• Disposable Changing Mats – A single-use option.
• Baby Changing Baskets - For using at home, these are the most aesthetically pleasing option for your nursery

Best changing mats 2024

• Best Overall: Cheeky Wipes washable travel changing mat
• Best Anti-Roll Mat: Baby changing basket
• Best for Travel: Bells Bumz Change and Go
• Best on a Budget: Cheeky Wipes washable travel changing mat
• Best Design: Bowerbox nappy change wallet

Best Overall Changing Mat  & Best on a Budget Changing Mat: Cheeky Wipes Multi purpose Waterproof Travel Changing Mat

Extra large with waterproof plush on one side and soft absorbent bamboo terry on the other.These are larger than standard, making them essential not just for diaper changes but for a variety of uses. 

• As a play mat during nappy-free time or while potty training.
• Underneath a potty to catch spills.
• As a car seat blanket or a waterproof liner for your Moses basket.
• On flights and road trips, use them as everything from a picnic blanket to a drip catcher when bottle feeding.
• For older children, they serve well in emergencies as a waterproof bed sheet under the regular one.
• After baths to protect your lap or after swimming lessons.

Cost: £15.99

Dimensions: Closed  24cm W x18cm H x 7cm deep - Open 90cm W x 72cm H

Material: Bamboo viscose, plush PUL

Washing & Care Instructions: Wash at 40 degrees with similar colours. Can be tumbled dried on a low setting.

Special Features : 'fold, roll and snap' to keep tidy in your changing bag, super absorbent. These mats are larger so great for nappy free time!

Best Anti-Roll Mat: Baby Changing Basket

Cheeky Baby Changing basket is a woven shallow basket with padded removable, zippered PUL lined mattress allowing for easy washing 

Cost: £29.99

Dimensions: 73cm L 44cm W 14cm Deep

Material: Hand woven cotton rope basket, padded foam mattress 

Washing & Care Instructions: wash cover at 40 degrees, sponge clean main body, air dry

Special Features : This baby changing nests doubles as a handy place to pop baby when you need to be hands free, similar to a moses basket but floor level. They are beautifully made, easy to transport around the house and small enough to take with you to relatives homes.  They are NOT suitable for carrying your baby around!

Best for Travel: Bells Bumz Change and Go

Bells Bumz Change and Go is a creative and useful reusable changing mat and bag in one! It unfolds to give you a mat for outings. It has four pockets for your baby wipes, dummies, toys etc and is designed to easily attach to your pram/pushchair or carry over your shoulder.

Cost: £10.95

Dimensions: Closed - 42cm W, 25cm H Open 96cm H 43cm W

Material: Soft, plush,TPU lined

Washing & Care Instructions: Cool wash below 40 degrees, air dry

Special Features - multi way carry straps attaches to buggy handle, 4 pockets for supplies, lots of poppers to close in a way that suits you

Best Designer Change Mat: Bowerbox Nappy Change Wallet

Everything you need for a quick trip, wrapped up in one neat, easy-to-carry package. Bowerbox change wallet has a padded mat with attached soft pillow to protect your newborn's head, nappy changes on the go are a breeze. The large mat ensures your baby is shielded from less-than-sanitary public change tables.

Cost: £22.99

Dimensions: Closed 28.5cm W x 19.5cm H x 4.5cm deep - Open 100 cm L  53 W

Material: Non toxic PVC

Washing & Care Instructions: Fully wipeable

Special Features : The extendable outer strap increases the internal capacity, so there's always room for that extra outfit change.

Choosing the best changing mat comes down to your lifestyle needs — you may find you want one for home, one for the car and another in your changing bag.

We're so confident that we can help you make the switch to reusables that we've got a 100% happiness guarantee. LOVE our products or get your money back.

Got more questions or need advice? Drop us a line, and if you found this blog useful you may like:

What to pack in your changing bag

Best Newborn gifts 2024

What are muslins and how do you use them?

About the Author: Kirstin on our customer services team loves spending her days helping customers with their reusable period product needs and advising cloth nappy using families. Kirstin lives with her three teenagers and loves walking, cycling and sea swimming year round in our beautiful bay.She is excited to share her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for all things reusable, helping a new generation of parents navigate eco-friendly choices for their children.